2013 has been pretty good to me. I started the year working in a cafe in downtown Cincinnati and ended it as an ESL teacher on the other side of the world, which is giving me a chance to share my passion for English with others while experiencing another culture. It’s been another great year of spending time with wonderful people, learning new things, visiting new places, and trying new things.

In addition to so many other opportunities, I’ve had so many chances to travel this year: I went on a spontaneous solo trip to Buffalo, New York, in January, and that was only the beginning of my adventures.

A quick trip to Niagara Falls

In February, I met Josh, and we had a blast exploring my Queen City from a tourist perspective.

Among other city sites, I shared my beloved University of Cincinnati’s campus with Josh.

The very next month, we embarked on a road trip south, where we spent time with my family in Alabama for a little bit before we all journeyed to Florida together for a Disney World vacation and a wedding. After the rest of my family went home, Josh and I stuck around to spend time with my grandparents and to enjoy the area: the Dalí Museum, Anna Maria Island, and the Ringling Gardens.

We spent time in several different parks and enjoyed some character dining at Disney World!

Me and Josh (who saved the day by stepping up when the other photographer couldn’t make it) at my uncle and new aunt’s hockey-themed wedding.